I’ve got a secret to share. I haven’t bought all-purpose cleaner in years, YEARS. I used to buy the expensive 7th Generation spray, because I thought it was better for the environment and my household, and I still use the very bottles that spray came in.
Not only did I start making this all purpose spray to save money, but I feel better about not using harsh chemicals in our house if I can avoid it. It’s easy, simple and I never have to run to the store if I run out. I simply make more.
Here’s how I make it:
1 Empty Spray Bottle, 10 drops dish soap, 10 drops essential oil (Lavender, Lemon, Orange), 1/2 cup white vinegar, Water
If you’ve never used essentials oils before, a few drops go along way and they smell fabulous. I love using them in the spray for the lovely fragrance and to help hide the smell of vinegar. Lemon, lavender, orange and grapefruit are a few of my favorites.
Simply add some dish soap, about 10 drops or so.
10 drops of the essential oil, this step can be left out if you don’t have any, but I really love the smell of the oils.
1/2 cup of vinegar
and fill the rest of the bottle with water.
Screw the top back on, shake a bit, and use on any surface, table, counter top, floor, carpet, couch, sink, stove. I use mine on any and everything.
Some dried on goo, on my stove.
A few squirts and gone!
*never mind my finger, my camera was acting weird and wouldn’t take a picture with out it.
Do you make any cleaners yourself? What is your favorite?
These are some of my other favorite homemade cleaners, Homemade Laundry soap, and dishwasher soap.
Print This RecipeHomemade All-purpose Spray
1 Empty Spray Bottle
10 drops dish soap
10 drops essential Oil (Lavender, Lemon, Orange)
1/2 cup white vinegar
WaterIn an empty clean spray bottle, add 10 drops dish soap, 10 drops essential oil (optional), 1/2 cup white vinegar, and fill with water. Screw top on bottle, shake and use to clean on any surface.
That is so clever. I gotta share this on my facebook page.
This is great! Thanks Jenna.
Mine is even easier. I combine 1 to 1 rubbing alcohol with water. It smells clean on its own and kills germs without having to use the chemicals that are still in dish soap
🙂
@Amy, Good tip Amy, I will have to try that.
Sounds like a great idea! I used to use vinegar to clean the windows, but when I can get Glass Plus for $.25 at the store, I can’t stop buying it!!! Oh well.
Great idea, and I love the way your print option is set up – super-cool! I’ll be trying this soon.
This is great! I love natural cleaners, and this one is so easy to make!
Where do you buy your essential oils? I can never seem to find them.
I linked where I find them online through Amazon has them for very reasonable prices.
Can’t wait to try this! I already have the essential oil and everything by a spray bottle.
Thanks for visiting me and leaving a sweet comment! Hope you get to try a latte 🙂
It has dish soap in it? Who knew.
Excellent tip. Sharing on Facebook. Thanks for linking up.
I’m going to have to try this after we move. Thanks for the tip!
I love making my own cleaners too. Isn’t it a good feeling? I make my all-purpose cleaner with tea tree castile soap. It’s a great alternative to vinegar for cleaning marble and granite since vinegar shouldn’t be used on those surfaces.
http://www.ourhomemadehappiness.com/2012/02/homemade-all-purpose-cleaner.html
Thank you so much! This is the exact recipe I was looking for!
Would you have to use the oils? or is that just for a better smell?
Never mind. I must have skipped the section where that question was already mentioned. 🙂
@Janella, Glad you found the answer, but yes in short you can leave out the essential oils, but I just love the smell. But it’s totally optional.
Actually if you want more cleaning power, you can add certain oils not just fragrance, but for cleaning 🙂 Lavender, tea tree, and rosemary are great. Tee tree is great for killing bacteria, viruses, and such.
Am going to try this. thanks.